Town Square

Palo Alto reflects on Ellen Fletcher's legacy

Original post made
on Nov 19, 2012

The life of Ellen Fletcher, a longtime Palo Alto councilwoman who helped transform the city into one of the nation's most bike-friendly communities, was celebrated Sunday at a memorial service, where city leaders, bike advocates and members of Fletcher's family paid tribute to the iconic leader.

Posted by Fred Balin
a resident of College Terrace
on Nov 19, 2012 at 10:35 am

Excellent write-up.

The biographical slide show created by the family and shown at yesterdayÕs commemoration is expected to be replayed this evening during the councilÕs agenda item (#3) recognizing Ellen Fletcher. The item should begin at 7 pm.

Also, preceding and during the resolution, there will be a mini-exhibit (in either the lobby or council chambers), including Ellen's bike and signature trailer, helmet, jacket and various memorabilia of her extraordinary life.

Posted by Ronna Devincenzi
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Nov 19, 2012 at 1:37 pm

I remember when Ellen attended each and every CAADA meeting, helping with the California Ave. Corridor, when she was on city council from around 1986-1989, serving as a liaison to the CAADA Board.

Ellen was always kind and available to CAADA board, sharing feedback as a bicyclist, for years after that, up to and including seven years ago, when the California Ave. Streetscape was first discussed.

It would be fitting to extend the Ellen Fletcher Bike Boulevard from Bryant Street to the California Avenue district, if at all possible.

I last saw Ellen on her motorized bike, it seems only a few months ago, way over past San Antonio Road, on Charleston, close to Costco. It was a heartwarming sight, particularly in light of her mature age.

She's greatly missed. The tribute for Ellen yesterday was inspiring, giving a fuller picture of the wonderful and exceptionally talented woman/citizen/activist she was.

Posted by Joseph Kott
a resident of Another Palo Alto neighborhood
on Nov 19, 2012 at 2:07 pm

A life well lived for family and community! As the speakers at yesterday's moving memorial to Ellen Fletcher pointed out, Ellen's civic leadership was principled and determined, yet also gracious. What a wonderful example to follow for all those she inspired!

Posted by Ducatigirl
a resident of Old Palo Alto
on Nov 20, 2012 at 7:01 pmDucatigirl is a registered user.

She was definitely instrumental in getting me back on a bike. I would see this tiny little lady pulling her trailer all over town and think," she can do this at her age, I can do it with joint disease." I often still think of that image of her when my knees get stiff and I think I can't ride today.